Search continues for Jalesa Reynolds

Monday, March 01, 2010

Investigators search for Jalesa Reynolds

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local/state

SCOTLAND NECK -- Halifax County authorities are searching for an 18-year-old woman who was last seen on February 22.

Scotland Neck police say someone last saw Jalesa Reynolds using a public computer at the Scotland Neck Memorial Library around 11 a.m. last week.

Chief Joe Williams says records indicate she logged onto a social networking Web site around 11 a.m. At 1:39 p.m., she logged onto a computer at a residence on Cemetary Road, which is about 1.5 miles northwest of town. Police believe she left the home between 2 and 3 p.m.

Williams says officers questioned the owner of the residence and seized his computer. The machine is being examined by the SBI in Raleigh.

ABC11 Eyewitness News has learned the house where police believe Reynolds last logged onto a computer is also the home of a registered sex offender.

Police won't say what role - if any - it may play in Reynolds's disappearance.

After an exhaustive search on land, in the air and by the Roanoke River, investigators presented a quieter show of force at a NCEW conference Tuesday morning - offering very little new information.

Police searched the Roanoke River, but won't say whether they found anything to help their case.

"If someone has seen something, I'd just ask that they come forward," Reynolds' relative Frederick Lassiter said. "But, we're holding on by the grace of God. Through Christ all things are possible, we just believe and trust in that."

Family and friends describe Reynolds as a "shy woman" and say they have not heard from her since Feb. 22.

Reynolds' mother says she has never been away from home and fears she's been abducted.

"Whoever has her, bring her back home safely," Bernice Reynolds said. "Please come forward bring my baby home."

Reynolds is African-American, 5'2" tall, 220 pounds with a medium complexion and short, black hair. She was last seen wearing tan pants, a pink shirt and a denim coat with a flower design on back.

Investigators say they've conducted more than 60 interviews since last Monday. They say as more time passes they grow more concerned.

Police won't say if they suspect foul play. The Halifax County CrimeStoppers is now offering a reward for any information.